The spires, steeples and towers of this two-story building stand out from the rest of the town, with its neo-gothic style typical of the late 19th century – the period when it was built. Yet there are also Renaissance Revival influences to be seen, making the overall aesthetic effect one drawn firmly from the book of Eclecticism. For the interior design project of 1898 Post, which was entrusted to Geraldine Dohogne, the aim was to instil a subtle yet coherent dialogue between past and present. It does so tastefully, showing respect for the building and its history, with an expert mix of colour and an innovative use of light.
The 38 rooms have different, postal-related names based on their size, ranging from the smaller Stamp Rooms (19m2) to the Postcard and Letter Rooms and finally the Suites. There’s also a 65m2 loft, though the most stunning space is undoubtedly the Tower Suite, which occupies an octagonal tower at the top of the hotel, offering 360° views of the city. Almost all of the rooms still have the original, double-height ceilings, with some of them also featuring mezzanines.
All are relaxed in style: dark green shades on the walls, octagonal marble tiles in the bathrooms paired with retro fittings and copper finishes, plus accessories, books and postcards from the early 1900s positioned tastefully on the side tables.
While the rooms tell a story, the communal spaces of the hotel go the extra mile, evoking powerful images and memories of local history. Take the corridor leading to reception, for example: in addition to the vintage furniture, guests can also admire framed sketches by Louis Cloquet and the seals of the some of the region’s most aristocratic families.
As you move around the hotel, your gaze is constantly drawn through the many large windows – all with their original frames – to the gargoyles and statues that bring such theatre to the external façade.
The intriguing – yet comfortable – feel continues in the hotel’s bars: The Honesty Bar, The Kitchen and The Cobbler, which all share a colour theme that favours greys and earthy tones. Distressed walls bridge the gap between 19th-century sophistication and minimalist décor in The Cobbler, allowing history to live on in a celebration of collective memory. Meanwhile, classic furnishing in leather and linen and the large, English-style bar, with its huge array of bottles, create a cocktail-bar vibe and a sense of timeless indulgence.
